The Boston Celtics probably didn't expect Robert Williams III to play a meaningful role in the rotation so early this season, but injuries to Al Horford, Aron Baynes and others have thrust the rookie big man into action.
The Texas A&M product has responded very well, too. He was drafted as an athletic rim protector with promising offensive talent, and he has not disappointed. Williams has become one of the most effective shot blockers in the league, thanks in part to his excellent timing, long reach, positioning and poise to not fall for shot fakes.
He swatted five of the Celtics' 15 blocked shots in their loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, vaulting him further up the NBA leaderboard in blocks per 36 minutes.
Williams leads the league, among all players with 100-plus minutes played, with 6.3 blocks per 36 minutes. Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside is in second place with 3.9 blocks per 36 minutes.
Now that's impressive.
Williams could see more minutes in the coming weeks after Baynes broke his left hand in Wednesday's defeat. Baynes' is a defensive anchor at center, and the C's need someone to step into that important role, especially when Horford also is out.
H/T to the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach
Boston Celtics
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